Causative and risk factors
Common warts are caused due to an infection with HPV. They are usually transmitted by direct skin to skin contact with an infected person or by coming in contact with contaminated objects such as towels or razor blades. In addition, an infected person can infect other parts of his own body through contact thereby spreading the warts.
Those with decreased immunity have a higher risk of catching warts. This risk is especially higher in children.
Clinical presentation
Common warts can be located anywhere on the body esp. the hands and beard areas. They are usually multiple. They may be tan, light brown or pink in color. The texture is rough or fleshy.
Diagnosis & Investigations
Warts can be diagnosed on the basis of physical examination alone. Common warts must be differentiated from other skin conditions such as lichen planus, seborrheic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis.
Sometimes a skin biopsy may be needed if your doctor suspects any other kind of skin growth.
Treatment
Most common warts do not require treatment. You should visit a doctor if the warts are spreading or are a cosmetic concern.
Salicyclic acid preparations are applied onto the warts to destroy them.
Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen is used in order to freeze the warts.
Electrocautery – The wart is burned off using electric current.
Surgery – A minor surgery is performed in order to scrape off the warts.
In addition, chemical peels and laser therapy can be used in patients with stubborn warts.
Warts generally disappear on their own after several months or years, but they can be replaced with new ones. Even after treatment, the recurrence rate is high.
To prevent spread and recurrence, the patient is instructed to:
Avoid touching, picking or scratching your warts
Do not share personal items such as towels or razor blades with anyone.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming in contact with common facilities such as the gym or public transport.
Recent updates
A research study has observed that injecting even 1 wart with antigen causes several warts on the patient’s body to disappear.
